13 Bizarre New Species Discoveries In Recent Decades

Every corner of our world is full of unseen creatures, with about 15,000 new species discovered by scientists each year. In the last 20 years, these discoveries have ranged from colorful animals to odd sea creatures. In this list, we highlight 13 such bizarre animal species found by scientists over these years.

Rose-veiled fairy wrasse (Cirrhilabrus finifenmaa)

The Rose-veiled fairy wrasse (Cirrhilabrus finifenmaa) was brought to scientific light in 2022. A splendid splash of vibrant hues, it was discovered in the waters of the Maldives. Adding a touch of national pride to its uniqueness, it holds the distinction of being the first species described by a Maldivian scientist.

Tapir Valley Tree Frog (Tlalocohyla celeste)

Discovered in a private nature reserve in Costa Rica in 2022, the Tapir Valley tree frog, also known as Tlalocohyla celeste, distinguishes itself through its unique snout resembling a tapir. In the wake of its discovery, researchers have been advocating for heightened conservation efforts to protect this unusual frog and its natural environment.

Psychedelic frogfish (Histiophryne psychedelica)

The Psychedelic frogfish, or Histiophryne psychedelica, was first found in 2009 near Bali, Indonesia. It stands out because of its wild, multi-colored bands that look like a moving lava lamp. This unique fish doesn’t swim. Instead, it uses its pectoral fins to move around on sandy and muddy sea bottoms.

Skeleton Shrimp (Liropus minusculus)

Identified in 2013, this translucent shrimp cleverly camouflages within underwater caves predominantly found off the coast of California. Despite its ghostly appearance and namesake, the Skeleton Shrimp situated in the North Pacific is less ferocious than it sounds, feeding primarily on detritus that floats its way.

Cape Melville Leaf-tailed Gecko (Saltuarius eximius)

The Cape Melville Leaf-tailed Gecko is a special creature first spotted in 2013. It has skin like tree bark and a tail that looks like a leaf. You can only find this unique gecko in the rainforests of Cape Melville, Australia.

Myanmar Snub-Nosed Monkey (Rhinopithecus strykeri)

Discovered in 2010, the snub-nosed monkey comes from the distant rain-soaked forests of Myanmar. It’s named after its unusually short nose, a feature that reportedly causes it to sneeze during rainfall. Experts believe this peculiar adaptation is an evolutionary response, enabling the monkey to thrive in its unique habitat.

Octocoral (Asteroctenaria enigmatica)

This creature was wrongly thought to be a sea star or anemone back in 2008, discovered in Japan’s deep ocean. Later, scientists found out it’s a kind of deep-sea coral, known as octocoral. This finding made them wonder if it’s a whole new group.

Antarctic Sea Anemone (Edwardsiella andrillae)

The Edwardsiella andrillae, or the Antarctic Sea Anemone, was found by scientists in Antarctica’s cold waters in 2010. This special creature stunned everyone because it lived under a glacier and drilled its body into the ice. Nobody had seen a sea anemone do this before. Scientists are still trying to understand this incredible survival method.

Ninja Lanternshark (Etmopterus benchleyi)

The Ninja Lanternshark is a new kind of shark found in Central America’s deep sea in 2015. This special shark lives very deep in the ocean, up to 1,000 meters deep. It has black skin and light-producing cells that make it hard to see in the dark ocean – just like a real underwater ninja!

Lesula Monkey (Cercopithecus lomamiensis)

Imagine coming across a primate so unfamiliar to the scientific community, it has to be classified as a new species. That’s exactly what happened with the Lesula Monkey, discovered in 2007 in the Democratic Republic of Congo. With large, soul filled eyes, and a bare face, it’s both beguiling and striking. However, it’s not just physical attributes that captivate; the Lesula exhibits a range of humanlike behaviours too.

Greta Thunberg’s rainfrog (Pristimantis gretathunbergae)

The Greta Thunberg’s rainfrog was unearthed in Panama’s Mount Chucant back in 2022. The name of the species serves as a tribute to the renowned climate activist, Greta Thunberg, underlining the importance of her tireless efforts towards climate change.

Pink Dragon Millipede (Desmoxytes purpurosea)

Adding to the annals of newfound creatures in 2007 is the Pink Dragon Millipede (Desmoxytes purpurosea). Described as a small but flashy addition, this peculiar species was discovered in Thailand’s Greater Mekong region. Characterized by its shocking pink color and 30 pairs of legs, this creature secretes cyanide for defense against predators, earning its mythical dragon moniker.

Yeti Crab (Kiwa hirsuta)

Life in the deep sea certainly has its quirks, and the Yeti Crab is a prime example. Deemed ‘Yeti’ due to its strange, hairy ‘fur’ which is actually a series of filaments filled with bacteria, this crustacean was discovered in 2005 near the Easter Island in the South Pacific Ocean. The tiny microorganisms that live on its pincers help detoxify poisonous minerals from the water.

12 Scary Creatures of the Planet

12 Scary Creatures of the Planet